Research & Training Assistant Position Available
Transition Salt Spring, with funding from the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions, is accepting
applications for the role of Research & Training Assistant for our Maxwell Creek Climate Action Project.
Eligible applicants must be enrolled – or accepted for enrolment – in a full time undergraduate or
graduate program at one of the four PICS partner institutions: UVIC, UBC, SFU or UNBC. Students must
either be returning to complete their degree programs following the internship or have completed their
programs the semester prior to the start of the internship. Applicants should verify their eligibility
before applying.
The project goal is to contribute to rapid decarbonization through fire risk reduction using nature-
based restoration methods, along with wetland and riparian restoration in the Maxwell Creek watershed on Salt Spring Island. Treatments appropriate to the unique Coastal Douglas-fir zone (CDF)
will be identified and trialled and learnings disseminated to land stewards across the Salish Sea. The
goal is to support other communities to protect carbon stocks and enhance sequestration through
restoration of forest and wetland systems.
Project Objectives:
• Develop, implement and monitor emission reduction and adaptation strategies for treatment
areas within the watershed.
• Share knowledge and learnings regarding efficacy and implementation of treatments (Technical
Guide and online educational resources) with organizations, governments and others in other
CDF communities.
• Engage community members to develop regional capacity within the Capital Regional District
(CRD) using workshops and training programs to support knowledge sharing.
The Intern will:
• Assist with the design and execution of on-site field surveys within the Maxwell Creek
watershed.
• Review and synthesize current techniques and methods for restoring drained wetlands
and creeks to address multiple values (biodiversity, hydrology, ecological structure,
carbon storage, etc.)
• Contribute to the design of an expert, peer-reviewed workshop to identify a suite of
appropriate nature-based fire risk reduction treatments for CDF Zones.
Qualifications:Either a BSc or equivalent restoration degree/diploma or a MSc. Internship roles will be adjusted to suit education levels. Some geomatics and/or statistical experience and plant identification/ field experience is preferable.
Terms: The successful applicant will work in the field on Salt Spring Island and if necessary, remotely.
Applicants who live on Salt Spring Island will be given priority. Applicants from visible minority groups
are especially encouraged to apply and self-identify on the application. The position will run until the
end of August 2023. Wage rate is $28/hour for approx. 15 -20 hours of work per week.
Application Process: Please send a CV and cover letter in one PDF document to
ruth@transitionsaltspring.com ASAP.